Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1887-05-05
Council Proceedings.

Council met in regular monthly session Mon
day evening. George Brown, Marshall Thomp
son, and D. H. Ailligan, the new members
were qualified. Samuel Campbell, one of tn,
members who held over, handed in his resigna
ton, which was accepted.
After passing upon number of claims anC
transacting other business, D. II. Milligan pre-.
sented an ordinance prohibiting ale, beer, anG
porter houses within the corporate limits Of st
Clairsville. The paper was read by the Clerk
and Mr.. Milligan then moved that it be read
for the first time, which was garfield. NJ Ri
ley opposing. After being read for the first
time, Milligan moved that the rules be sus-
pended and the ordinance be put upon its Sec
oDd reading. AT this juncture Mr.. Riley in
quired why this haste?" and cited instances
where prohibitory laws had failed. Although
he did not hold an interest in any saloon, and
cared but little what became of them, yet he
thought they had rights that were bound to be
respected, and declared that he represented the
majority of the people of the village when he
pronounced against such a measure. The idea
of driving the saloons out of town, and bringing
peace and prosperity, is all buncombe, and will
not work, simply because there will be more
drunkenness then than now, when drinkers
can step into an open bar and take but one
drink. We have nothing to do but enforce the
present state laws in order to control the saloons
to-day, if we can but find the man or men with
the moral courage to file afidsvits against them
when known illegal sale is made. shall
vote against this proposition.
Mr.. Brown-Question to Mr.. Riley: "Are
the saloons blessing or a curse to us7" The
saloons are curse to US; they hurt US financially
and morally. The revenue derived from them
is a small matter compared with the curse they
put upon us. was elected, as 1 understand
it, to "put the saloons out, and intend to do
all in my power to carry that point. will
sustain the ordinance.
Mr. Milligan-We have been in no undue
haste about this matter, as can see. The Dow
law was passed some time ago, and we are now
endeavoring to carry out the wishes of our peo-
pie. was elected by the Citizens with this
uuarrsrahdinR- u;n-ao-urI can Carry
out their plans. The issue was well-known on
election day, and it is expected of us to do our
duty.
Mr. Thompson-I have been told BY more
than dozen persons, including saloon men,
that was elected to "put the saloons out"
They expect me 10 do all in my power to drive
these sink-holes of iniquity out, and l consci-
entiously believe it is my duty; and, by hold
ing on TO thf conviction, shall be the means
thus far of bringing peace and happiness to the
home of the inebriate. have no feeling for the
saloons and / shall do all l can for this ordi-
nance, and don't care who it hurts or what
becomes of them, so they are driven out
want those door-sisns taken down which read
"Reymann's beer for sale here" and l mean
to help do it by my vote on this ordinance.
Mr.. Riley opened his battery against all of
the speakers, and held that they had no right
as citizens, to drive business out of town. The
ECLIPSE, whatever that was-Reporterl few
years ago, showed to the people what it was for
a saloon TO be located on tLe outskirts of the
towh. He evidently held strong hand for the
saloon men.
After argument closed, the original ques-
tion-suspension of rules, ETC., was called for.
Four members voted for and one against-lost,
taking five to carry, and CampbelPs place be-
ing vacated probably killed the second reading
Adjourned. In all probability the Mayor will
call an extra session this week, at which time
the Campbell vacancy will be filled, and an
other reading of the ordinance had.
The Mayor appointed the following COM
mittees: On Fin.nce-Riley, Brown, Welday;
Streets and Roads -, Brown, Thompson;
Pavements and Crossings-ThompsOn, Welday
Milligau; Scales-Brown, -, Thompson:
Ordinance-Milligan, Riley, Welday; Rail-
roads-Milligan, Riley, Thompson; Sanitary
and Fire-Welday, Thompson, Brown.